Biodiesel Fuels the Clean Cruiser Project

by Don Scott (Biodiesel Sustainability Blog) What started as a couple of pals looking for their next adventure soon turned into a carbon-cutting crusade for Steven Ploog and Nathan Stuart. After the initial idea of fixing up two old Toyota Land Cruisers and driving down to Panama, the two came up with an interesting challenge.

Cummins Inc. has recently become the first engine manufacturer to market common rail diesel engines direct to consumers for retrofitting existing vehicles. Common rail technology makes the reliable diesel workhorse a clean powertrain capable of doubling or tripling the fuel economy of existing vehicles.

The goal of the project is to now plant over 10,000 trees in 2019. These trees planted by Clean Cruiser partners will offset nearly five times the carbon emissions of their vehicle travels.

Members of the National Biodiesel Board, including Imperial Western Products, Crimson Renewables, and New Leaf Biofuels have provided biodiesel for their expeditions.

Cummins, like all US diesel manufactures approves blends of 20 percent (B20) biodiesel in their engines. Since biodiesel reduces emission by 85 percent compared to petroleum diesel, this reduces the carbon footprint they are seeking to offset by planting trees.

During the months of May and June the Clean Cruiser Project drove over 18,000 vehicle miles, made carbon-neutral through biodiesel and by planting over 600 trees along the way. READ MORE